George Washington Jr. has announced his intention to run for the Decatur County Board of Education, District 3, seat. That seat is currently held by Winston Rollins.

Washington retired from Southwestern State Hospital/Bainbridge State Hospital, with more than 30 years of experience in administration. He is currently employed by Advantage Counseling Services, Inc., and serves on the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission.

“I decided to run because I see a need for preparing our students for career opportunities once they finish high school,” he said. “I want to encourage our administrators to provide our teachers with the resources necessary to give our students the math and science skills they need to succeed.”

Education is important to Washington, who has periodically served as a mentor to youth since returning to Decatur County in 1975. He has also worked as a substitute teacher in the Decatur County Schools for the last two years.

He is a 1969 honor graduate of Mt. Moriah High School in Attapulgus, where he was salutatorian of his class. He is a 1973 graduate of Savannah State University, where he was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

“During this economic decline, I would like to implement strategies and techniques to ensure Decatur County students continue to receive quality education, without raising citizens’ taxes,” he said.

Washington said he would also work to improve communication between parents, teachers and school board members.

“I want to effectively communicate with the constituents to get their ideas,” he said. “I believe that the more ideas you have, from many different segments and backgrounds, the more likely you will come to positive problem solutions that are pleasing to everyone.”

Washington is a member of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. John Wooden as the senior pastor. Washington is the leader of the collegiate ministry, and is also a member of the church male choir and regular choir.

He is the son of the late George Washington Sr. and Anna R. Washington. He is married to Dianne P. Washington and they have two children, Clyde Washington and Leslie Washington.